Filter with memory, communication and concentration sensor

Abstract

The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

1. A method of maintaining a protein concentration at the membrane surface of a tangential flow filtering element within a filter housing, comprising:
 locating a concentration sensor, in communication with a transmitter, to the membrane surface of said tangential flow filtering element, wherein said sensor comprises an optical fiber through which an IR or UV measurement is made; 
 monitoring the concentration of said protein using said sensor; 
 comparing said concentration to a predetermined range; and 
 adjusting the transmembrane pressure in response to said comparison. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of transmitting said monitored concentration to a receiver located outside of said housing. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said transmitter utilizes wireless communication. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein said wireless transmitter comprises an RFID tag. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said adjustment is calculated using a PID loop. 
     
     
       6. A method of maintaining a protein concentration at the membrane surface of a tangential flow filtering element within a filter housing, comprising:
 locating a concentration sensor, in communication with a transmitter, to the membrane surface of said tangential flow filtering element, wherein said sensor comprises an affinity based sensor, based on an optical, electrical or piezoelectric detection method; 
 monitoring the concentration of said protein using said sensor; 
 comparing said concentration to a predetermined range; and 
 adjusting the transmembrane pressure in response to said comparison. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of transmitting said monitored concentration to a receiver located outside of said housing. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said transmitter utilizes wireless communication. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein said wireless transmitter comprises an RFID tag. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said affinity based sensor comprises a microbalance and a suitable ligand. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said adjustment is calculated using a PID loop.